We are safely returned from our short mission trip to Ukraine.  Your prayers for our safety have been answered; our connections from Chernivtsi back to Lviv and flights from Lviv to Warsaw, Poland were times to reflect upon what we had witnessed.

Nicholai or “Kola” as he preferred to be called was a six year old orphan whom we met at Lunka christian summer camp.  He lives in an orphanage during the school year and then is sent to camp where he had become withdrawn.  We were told that his parents had abandoned him.  His face portrayed both sadness and apprehension as he met our American team of volunteers.  After the simple gospel was explained and brightly colored bracelets were given to each camper, we sang songs with motions and clapping, Kola began to accept our presence.  David P. was just a few years older than Kola and offered to show Kola how to play hackeypack.  Kola warmed up to us and really enjoyed the bubble blowing.  In the playing and care shown to all the campers, Kola was finally laughing and smiling by the end of our visit.

Other children at Romaska christian camp expressed appreciation with many accented “Thank You’s” and big smiles as they opened their new Bible story books and discovered color pictures to illustrate each story.

Kris T. recalled hearing from one of the elderly women at the hospital we visited that she thought she was to receive clothing, shoes, and socks.  She was disappointed when the hospital staff said such things were not needed and requested only funds for building renovation and diapers. 

The humanitarian aid we delivered helped to open doors to spiritual aid in the form of gospel bead bracelets, printed explanations of prayer and our testimony presentations.   Encouragement for believers and staff at the facilities we visited was an additional bonus of this mission trip.  Each care giver and staff person welcomed us and and was very gracious and accepting in receiving both the aid and the message of hope we brought.  Believers were strengthened as they joined with us in helping to fulfill the great commission to share our faith with those who have not heard.

Claire J. recalled a favorite ministry moment.  The facility was on the grounds of a 17th century country estate where now some 120 mentally disturbed men reside.  Our small team met with about twenty men in an enclosed grassy court yard surrounded by their living quarters and a high wall.  Some of the men were walking about, and others were smoking.  With the able assistance of our translator and several of the staff, we began our way from man to man, explaining the gospel and Christ’s love in simplicity.  Some men would not take the bracelet at first offer, and turned away toward the wall.  One man listened intently, looking straight into my eyes the whole time as I held his hand and explained a short version of the gospel bracelet.  His earlier look of bewilderment turned into an expression of “studied” peace.  The Lord’s words were reaching his soul, penetrating bone and marrow.  When I hugged him after, we finished, he first stood still, taking it all in, and then broke into a broad smile.  I am confident that the Holy Spirit touched his heart, and I expect to see him in Heaven.

Global Aid Network strives to find out what the most pressing needs are for each site in advance as well as promoting donations of funds from ministry team members for additional needs we discover.  Through prayer, contact by email, and voiced encouragement, local pastoral ministries are strengthened.  Our presence and encouragement, along with the aid we distribute, have been validated as priceless.  Kris T. especially recalls both  Masha Vacilli and Pastor Misha as fellow believers who were overwhelmed by our additional donations.

The children were very excited overall and energetic, especially Romaska House where I remember them receiving their big Teddy Bears.  Every child seemed to bond immediately to the stuffed animal and hugged them repeatedly.  The children loved to blow up the balloons and to chase the soap bubbles as they floated toward the ground.  Almost all of the children participated in the action songs and generally enjoyed themselves very much.

Telling all we met that Jesus loves them, asking about themselves, and distributing friendship gifts, “Bags of Blessing” and playing with the children all seemed to demonstrate the love of Christ that we are commanded to spread.  Personal interaction with the children validated the message that we bring not only physical aid that will soon be consumed, but an eternal way to true life which can be found only in Christ Jesus.  We have seen frightened faces turn to joy.  We have seen each other become bold in our witness.  This has been an experience that changed not only the eternal destiny of many, but changed our own attitudes toward serving Him.